The journey into self-love and self-acceptance must begin with self-examination… until you take the journey of self-reflection, it is almost impossible to grow or learn in life.
– Iyanla Vanzant, American inspirational speaker, spiritual teacher and author
Today is April 10, and we have spent the last 24 days in “self-exile”.
It was a difficult, unpopular but important decision to make, especially for the two most important leaders of the country – the Agong and the Prime Minister.
But there comes a time when we must be resolute if we treasure a country with a growing economy and a generation of young people who have everything to live for.
It’s good that the vast majority are trying to cope with the new rules of having to stay home 24 hours a day.
A large number feel their lifestyle has been curtailed, some as if they are in jail, others quite happy they can save a few ringgit because they can’t go out.
Malaysians are spoilt for choice. Consider this:
- We eat out with the family regularly
- Visit entertainment spots
- Gamble in any form whether it is betting on international football tournaments or manok sabong (cock-fighting) sessions
- Using Genting Highlands as an excuse for bringing our children for fun and games
- Going for daily mahjong sessions
- If you are not in politics, dreaming of becoming millionaires and frequenting the lottery outlets every month
- Buying a smartphone for your child to keep him/her busy
- Buying your teenaged son a cellphone on condition he does not hang around with bad company
In the last case, it is a challenge in major cities and towns, leading to drinking binges at private house parties or hideouts where youths indulge in syabu and ganja.
But staying home is good for the footloose and fancy free who are confined to watching Astro, Netflix and the lot.
Interestingly, the media’s daily “Just Stay at Home” and “Wash your hands thoroughly” hype, is taken with a pinch of salt by some.
People are still tempted to drive out and some even defy orders, preferring to lepak and move about in groups.
Malaysians still think that they are safe, wearing a face mask, and as such, droves can be found at wet markets, supermarkets or when they are buying provisions.
In fact, these masks are not to protect you from others but rather prevent those with ailments such as hay fever, where sneezing is common, from passing whatever they have to you.
Wash your hands all the time when you are at home. No touching even at home, even if it involves the husband, wife and children.
I can imagine, with no disrespect, some inmates in Tanjung Rambutan and Sentosa Hospital where a dear friend of mine is lodged, washing his hands 24 hours a day.
But the best part of the drive to “Stay at Home” is some suggestions to while away your time.
Innovative suggestions of “Learn how to play an instrument”. It sounds easy because you have three weeks to a month to do it.
Otherwise, learn how to dance, in which case the option will not be encouraged by the government because you are not allowed to be near your spouse or girlfriend!
The suggestion to learn a new language is a great one, though Burmese, Nepalese or Iranian would have to come after English!
While Malaysians are now fluent in Arabic, Japanese and Mandarin, they have lost the ability to speak proper English or understand the basics.
Read the print media and you will find out for yourself. And pronunciations can vary from “Platiew” for Plateau, “Bau” for Beau, “Francis” for Franchise and “Baptisma” for Baptise!
Of course, all of these are good suggestions when it comes to reaching out to affluent town or city folk who have the means.
But this would sound absurd to the old Chinaman or countryman from India or Punjab or the longhouse dweller that have better things to do at the farm.
Anyway, kudos to the Agong and Prime Minister for implementing this drastic but urgent decision.
It’s not easy when it affects the lives of hundreds of thousands if not millions, because it disrupts the daily routine of all – the rich and the poor.
Thank you all who are out there – the doctors, health workers, police, Rela volunteers and soldiers.
Don’t fret because the country is not in total disarray – after the initial hiccups, the picture is now clearer.
Malaysia is in good hands. We shall prevail!
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
